Natural Building Intensive

Endeavour’s one-month Natural Building Intensive puts you at the heart of a natural building project, from foundations to finishes.

You will learn about the design and construction of modern natural buildings, using materials sourced from the local environment to create healthy, affordable and energy efficient shelter.

You will work with teachers and practitioners who are leaders in the field and work with fellow participants who are motivated and enthusiastic.

Join us for an experience that will give you the skills to tackle your own natural building projects!

2018 program dates: August 7 – August 31

Natural Building Intensive Overview

Our one-month natural building intensive is designed to give you hands-on experience with all the key building materials, systems and strategies for natural building. We will undertake a small-scale project that ensures participants get to experience all stages of construction, from initial site preparation to final finishes, including:

straw bale building

hempcrete

timber and wood framing

natural plasters

earthen floors

stone and natural concrete

recycled and repurposed materials

Classroom modules in the natural building intensive include:

design for natural materials

building science for natural structures

material sourcing and assessment

Participants will also tour natural buildings in the Peterborough area and meet with builders and homeowners in the region.

Is the natural building intensive for me?

Endeavour’s natural building intensive is designed to be relevant for newcomers to building and seasoned building professionals alike. The supportive, community-based learning atmosphere encourages engagement, deliberation and action! Whether you are looking to build a small backyard project or incorporate natural building materials into code-approved buildings, you’ll find your learning supported in the natural building intensive.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for joining our natural building intensive. Participants of all skill levels are welcome to join us. We provide all the tools and materials required, but participants are encouraged to bring their own tools.

Tuition Fee

$1,900 CDN plus HST. Food and accommodation not included.

What is Natural Building?

There is no universal definition of “natural building” but Wikipedia does a pretty good job of explaining the basics of natural building. If you want to be inspired by lots of great photos of natural building around the world, Talking Natural Homes is a great place to start.

Here at Endeavour, our full time Sustainable New Construction and Sustainable Renovations programs focus on the use of natural materials in the context of high-performance, code-approved buildings where the natural materials palette is combined with responsibly manufactured products and high-tech mechanical systems. The natural building intensive focuses exclusively on the use of natural materials and simple, home-made systems.

Upcoming Workshops!

May 26, 2018
9:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Essential Hempcrete WorkshopEssential Hempcrete Construction
Workshop Instructor: Chris Magwood
Entry Requirements - Open to all
At our Essential Hempcrete workshop you will learn how you can create a remarkable home insulation material from the hemp plant!
This workshop is based on the new book, Essential Hempcrete Construction, written by course instructor Chris Magwood.

May 28, 2018
- Jun 01, 2018 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Legal Process BCIN CourseLegal Process BCIN Course
for Building Officials & Designers (2012)
Instructor: Jeff Chalmers
The Legal Process BCIN course for Building Officials and Designers (2012) prepares you to take the Legal Process exam, a requirement for obtaining a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN).
In Ontario, all building design practitioners must obtain...

Jun 02, 2018
- Jun 03, 2018 9:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Design Your Own Sustainable Home WorkshopDesign Your Own Sustainable Home Workshop
Workshop Instructor: Chris Magwood
Entry Requirements : Open to all
Design Your Own Sustainable Home is Endeavour's most popular workshop. This workshop has been called exciting, engaging and even life changing. You will be guided through the process of setting the goals that will shape your project and learn how to assess all the available material and system options to...

Jun 09, 2018
- Jul 29, 2018 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Construction Skills for WomenConstruction Skills for Women
Endeavour is excited to introduce a new Construction Skills for Women workshop in 2018!
This workshop is held over four weekends:
June 9/10& June 23/24 & July 14/15 & July 28/29
Interested in learning some bad-ass building skills? Our Construction Skills for Women workshop is your chance! This workshop involves you in all the steps of framing and finishing...